Deer Translocations

In March 2000, Texas A&M University and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists began efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of translocations in the recovery of Key deer. Why are deer translocations important and necessary for the Key deer’s recovery? What steps will be taken to evaluate the usefulness of deer translocations to outer islands? Read below to find out more.

Research has found that deer numbers have increased on some islands (e.g., Big Pine, No Name) and decreased on others (e.g., Little Pine, Sugarloaf). The viability of a population often times depends on the number and distribution of individuals. Wildlife biologists sometimes describe the structure of animal populations as metapopulations. Metapopulation refers to a divided population in which the constituent "sub-populations" are partially or completely isolated from one another. For instance, deer on each island may be referred to as a single metapopulation. Some islands or habitat patches are larger or more successful than others (e.g., Big Pine). According to metapopulation theory, extinction or the threat of extinction usually occurs with smaller and more isolated patches (e.g., Little Pine, Sugarloaf). Smaller populations are more vulnerable to stochastic events such as disease and hurricanes. Deer translocations may be an effective means of bolstering smaller metapopulations (assuming dispersal changes are limiting population growth) thereby improving the viability of the deer herd. In other words, the old adage "don’t put all your eggs in one basket" could be re-stated as "don’t put all your deer on one island". By increasing the distribution of Key deer, biologists can better insure the survival of the deer herd.

Despite the potential usefulness of deer translocations, a pilot study is necessary to quantify expectations of deer translocations. In the next few months, a total of 10-12 deer will be moved to Little Pine Key and monitored using radiotelemetry. Initially, 3-4 pregnant adult females will be moved followed by male/female yearlings and adult males. The reasons for moving pregnant adult females is two-fold: (1) past research has found that pregnant females tend to have smaller ranges following translocations, and (2) fawns born in the next few weeks will be imprinted to their new home. Yearlings will be relocated to Little Pine prior to the fawning season. Dispersal into new areas typically occurs during this time by yearling deer. In addition to radio-collaring and relocating Key deer to Little Pine Key, we are also monitoring water availability using geographical information systems and salinity instrumentation. Furthermore, infrared-triggered cameras are also being used to continue to understand the population dynamics (i.e., age-sex structure, population density) of Little Pine Key. We hope to have a formal interpretation of our data by the end of this year. For more information about our project, stay tuned to our homepage.

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